The Summer Necklace

I like to keep accessories a little lighter in the summertime, so I'm loving the long lariat style necklace to layer on top of my everyday pieces. A far cry from the lariat style I wore in the 90's — a lot more beading, a lot less fine jewelry — these thin chains add just a hint of shimmer on top of a summer tan. I'm also pretty modest when it comes to showing any skin, but I love this look with a deep vneck or scoop neck blouse. The only question is which adorable one to get? My current faves ...    

From left: catbird gold bar  //  shark tooth lariat  //  Gorjana honeycomb  //  beaded lariat  //  Rayna Eye lariat

Ornamental Things

Parts and Labour in Austin is an adorable shop showcasing local crafters. The back wall is all jewelry made by local artists – and it sucked me right in. I was fawning over the baubles and metalwork like a kid in a candy store. 

One brand that I couldn't get enough was Ornamental Things. The bohemian pieces had a vintage quality (I love that Eiffel Tower silhouette necklace) and I adored the whimsical touches (that Ladder necklace!). What's more, is many of these came in 30" chains, which I find hard to come by, but love the long length with breezy blouses in the summer. Below are a few of my favorite pieces, but check out their site for all of the fun jewels ... 








images courtesy of Ornamental Things

Midi on My Mind

The goods:
• top from Zara (also love this one)
• skirt and clutch, my grandmother's
• pumps from Aldo
 

After searching what seems like forever for the perfect black high-waisted midi pencil skirt (quite the checklist), I end up finding it in my grandmother's closet. I love the pleats, the pockets, and the way it pairs perfectly with this white dolman sleeve crop top (which I wondered how to pair for a while). I have no problem with all black and white, but I love this deep red clutch she had and swiped on my favorite deep red lipstick for a pop of color. Of course now I'm seeing these skirts everywhere and I'm loving this one from ASOS.

Retro Wrist Candy

Last week I told you about my glamorous grandmother and her accessories, but behind every stylish woman is a dapper gent. My grandfather had a style all his own as well, including bolo ties, rings, and his bright, two-tone watches (which I was thrilled to uncover at my Nana's house over the weekend). He wasn't a big spender, but he loved a little bling, so while it's no Rolex, I love this retro timepiece just the same. 

Below are a few similar finds, some new, some vintage, all just the right balance of fashion and flashy ...

From Top: Men's two tone Peugeot watch  //  Michael Kors chronograph two tone watch  //  vintage Elgin men's watch   //  vintage Gruen two tone, similar to mine

Steal vs. Splurge

One of my favorite looks for spring is a simple top, flowy skirt and a statement necklace (here's hoping I get to actually wear this sometime soon, not such a cool look when it's still snowing). I've been seeing a lot of sparkly options around lately, luckily covering every price point.

From left: $11.80, Forever21  //  $138, JCrew  //  $400, Lulu Frost

... and to be honest? I'm actually digging the Forever21 find the most!

A Girl and Her Shoes

After getting our fill of gorgeous gowns and pretty fashions during last night's Oscars, it's time for some fancy footwork. Sarah Jessica Parker's shoe line for Nordstrom debuted last week and it does not disappoint! Designed with the CEO of Manolo Blahnik, each pair has a very high-end feel, with a not (quite) so high-end price tag. All of the designs are lovely, but below are my faves ... which will hopefully make their way into my closet soon enough ...
     

Clockwise from top left: the red strappy "Brigitte"  //  the minty fresh "Bobbie"  //  the chic "Wallace" sandal  //  the "Billie" espadrille  //  the classic "Diana"  //  the metallic sexy "Slim" 

See the entire collection here.

Calm Before the Storm

So winter dropped a bomb on us yesterday! That's the funny thing about Chicago, it changes it's mind at the drop of a hat. Now's the time we can add winter accessories and layers and still look cute ... before the temps drop into the teens, all is lost, and we all resemble cinched sleeping bags. Below are a few fun cold weather pieces for that last ditch effort at an attractive winter ensemble.   

Cable knit leggings  //  rubber ankle boot  //  wool scarf  //  jeweled beanie  //  leather driving gloves

Raising the Bar

You know how over time, hair ties stretch out and really don't do their job any more? Instead of throwing out the perfectly good gold accented one shown below, I just snipped the hair band, slid it off and onto a long gold chain. Voila! A simple stunner. I love the simplicity of bar necklaces (which are popping up everywhere), they add a little hint of shine to any look. 

To Market, To Market

We've both been to NYC numerous times, but always try to do new things (I mean, we could easily enjoy margaritas with friends all day, but there's far too many good places to try!) So after strolling the High Line Saturday morning, we popped into the Chelsea Market to peruse all of the artisan food vendors, cute shops, and craft booths. I was like a moth to flame when I found Cynthia Rybakoff's jewels. Her pieces are vintage inspired, some crafted with antique elements or gorgeous gems, mostly in brass settings. Her booth was chock full of everything my jewelry dreams are made of, so choosing what I would take home with me was hard. When I asked Steve which of two rings I should get, he said they were 'both cool, definitely both' (man after my own heart, gotta love him). 

See below for a few snaps from her collection at the Chelsea Market (where she's stationed til December), and check out her site here.

Call of the Wild

I know it's a balmy week here in Chicago, but I just can't stop looking forward to autumn style! Animal prints seem to pop up every season in some form or another, but there are some especially luxe leopard prints out there right now (in addition to those cool clutches I wrote about Monday) ...

Clockwise from top:  leopard cigarette pants  //  leather and leopard satchel  //  gray leopard blouse  //  sweater dress  //  oversized leopard scarf  //  calf hair pointy pumps  //  leopard swing coat 

The High and Low

You know the saying champagne taste on a beer budget? Well this also applies to designer apparel and accessories. Sure I love those black Saint Laurent ankle booties, but didn't love the serious price tag of $995, so I found some alternatives.  

I am a big fan of Clare Vivier's bags, especially those perfectly simple clutches. I'm also a sucker for animal prints for fall, so when I saw a similar bag at Forever21, I did a double take. I can't pass up a good bargain, and this pretty darn close to the original, right?

Clare Vivier foldover clutch, $198

Forever21 foldover clutch, $16.80

Azza the Amazing

Last week I attended the show for Atelier Azza's "Algebra" collection. A departure from her typical elaborately beaded tent dresses, Azza's new line is slightly more tame, but no less stunning. I loved the neutral color palette, with a pop of citron thrown in. I swooned over the gorgeous details like bedazzled trims, architectural ruffles, and the accessories – heavily beaded collars, cuffs, and harnesses (tasteful, not racy). See below for some quick snaps from the event ... 

Click here to see each look in more detail, and visit her site here.

This Old House

I'm always down for perusing vintage stores – you never know what treasures are hiding amongst the piles of pretty things. Just like you can never have enough vintage garments or accessories, it's hard to pass up a one-of-a-kind item for the home. Be it an antique ashtray (for holding earrings), or a sturdy old chair (which I can't stop collecting), there is something for everyone at these amazing shops ...   

• Brimfield Andersonville - this amazing shop is chock-full (literally to the "Brim") with midcentury furnishings, vintage bar accessories, and every tartan blanket you can imagine.

• I've posted about P.O.S.H Chicago before because I've found no other shop in the city that can make me feel like I'm back in France like it does. Floor to ceiling shelves stock vintage drink ware, old silver trays and ice buckets, and every adorable little French knickknack a Francophile could want.

• I can't list my fave vintage home goods shops without mentioning Jayson Home & Garden. It's definitely a blow-your-budget spot, but easily the most beautifully curated shop in town. I could honestly walk in with my Starbucks, plop on one of their lovely oversized couches, and open a gorgeous coffee table book (while burning the best scented candles, and surrounded by the best foliage ... need I go on?) 

Photo courtesy of POSH Chicago

Bon Anniversaire, Coco

Chanel is synonymous with style, has stood the true test of time, and continues to be on every girl's ultimate wish list. Whether it's a small vial of one of Chanel's incredible scents, or a whole nine yards – a luxe leather bag, Chanel has something for everyone. In honor of Mademoiselle Chanel's birthday today, below are some of my fave items bearing her namesake ...  

1. the perfectly casual but chic Drawstring bucket bag 
2. simple and elegant Logo earrings
3. any vintage costume jewelry
4. clean and classic shopper
5. the large quilted tote
6. the perfect red lipstick
7. the light and airy scent, Gardenia 
8. the ultimate chic black jacket

above photo courtesy of Pinterest

Fall Footwork

I know I should be enjoying these last weeks of summer style, but it's so hard to ignore the pretty autumn fashions already in every store! In addition to a perfect black leather satchel, my first order of fall fashion business is to find a fantastic ankle bootie ... a classic black boot, not too high, perfect for pairing with skinny pants, long skirts and black tights. Of course I instantly fell in love with these lovely Saint Laurents, so I set out on a hunt for a more budget friendly version ...

Top row: Marvin Frolic  //  Chelsea Boot  //  Franco Sarto
Second row: French Connection  //  House of Harlow  //  Joie

Autumn Accessory

So it's not yet August, but I just can't wait for fun fall finds! First on my list is a brand new bag. I'm on the hunt for that perfect black leather satchel, with top handle (or two), and a crossbody strap for those serious shopping trips. I love the stylishly structured look and the spacious inside. I'd gladly take any of the bags below ... though most are FIO (for inspiration only – you know, at those prices)

1. Kate Spade  
2. Phillip Lim  
3. Vince Camuto  
4. Time's Arrow  
5. Michael Kors  
6. Michael Kors  
7. Jimmy Choo  
8. Coach

Wedded Bliss

Planning a wedding can be a smidge stressful, so I was glad Steve and I could enjoy our party and be done with the details. But after endless sifting through all of the lovely dresses, decor, and details, I couldn't help but peek at the pretty pictures every now and then since that day. Well now that my little sister is engaged, I have a new excuse to revel in the beautiful bridal details. Below are some of my recent finds – yes, for the bride ... but who says I can't rock a gold and rhinestone headpiece someday??

Clockwise from top: green garland on the "getaway car"  //  gilded lace cuff bracelet  //  lovely lace dress  //  nude and rhinestone sandal  //  watercolored invitation  //  simple blush bow dress  //  vintage inspired headpiece  //  gold draped Marchesa gown

Weekend Jaunt

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is take quick trips on the warm weekends. It doesn't have to be far – a friends lake house, visit your parents, even just a day at the beach – I just love the drive with the windows down and the almost-instant relaxation that sets in when you leave the city. The best part about quick trips is they can be spontaneous, just grab a few essentials and go! 
  

Clockwise from top: a simple leather tote can hold all of your summer staples  \\  long jean shorts to throw over your swimsuit  \\  an easy maxi dress to go from day to night  \\  chic sandals with a metallic touch  \\  a white hot bathing suit  \\  some stylish protection with a floppy sun hat

Shop: Winifred Grace

I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a major accessory obsession (I'm quickly running out of room in the set of drawers devoted entirely to jewelry!). I recently discovered the locally designed jewelry line, Winifred Grace. Each piece is stunningly simple and timeless – and even better worn as a group. I couldn't resist adding to my wrist a couple of the Chicago designer's simple brass bangles, and I love my new pendant necklace. And how sweet would the constellation pieces be as gifts?

Below are some of my faves, and you can view her entire collection here.

rectangle pendant

paddle ring

bronze & copper bangle

constellation ring

cuff with pattern

Pearly Whites

The goods:
• blouse from BCBG
• skirt and cardigan from Forever21
• pearls from Charming Charlie
• wedges from Nine West 

There's something about a strand of pearls that instantly makes you feel more ladylike. Inspired by this feeling, I pulled together a full feminine ensemble – a flirty skirt, girlie ponytail, and the pearly strand. I'm all for mixing edgy and feminine together, but sometimes a girl's gotta just be girly.